DUBAI: New Zealand’s Martin Guptill was at its murdering best that helped the Kiwis beat Scotland by 16 runs in the Super 12 of T20 World Cup here on Wednesday.
Guptill produced an electric 93 that included seven sixes, which was the most of any innings so far in the tournament.
His 93 off 56 balls shared a stand of 105 with Glenn Phillips (33) to help New Zealand recover from 52 for three to post 172 for five.
Scotland did well to in their chase but regular wickets prevented them from ever mounting a serious challenge with No.6 Michael Leask’s unbeaten 42 off 20 balls only turning to be their best.
The defeat ended their chances of progressing further in the competition.
After being put in to bat, New Zealand got off to a fast start as Guptill and Daryl Mitchell pushed the Black Caps up to 35 without loss after four overs.
That all changed when Safyaan Sharif took two wickets in five balls, removing Daryl Mitchell lbw for 13 before crucially strangling New Zealand captain Kane Williamson down the legside for a duck.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 172/5, in 20 overs (Martin Guptill 93, Glenn Phillips 33; Safyaan Sharif 2/28, Brad Wheal 2/40)
Scotland 156/5 in 20 overs (Michael Leask 42 not out, Matthew Cross 27; Trent Boult 2/29, Ish Sodhi 2/42)
Player of the Match: Martin Guptill (New Zealand)
